Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick says the team’s championship hopes depend on collective defense, not individual stoppers, as training camp winds down.
During an interview with ESPN analyst Tim Legler released on Oct. 15, Redick acknowledged that his roster features far more offensive firepower than proven defenders. The conversation was recorded in Las Vegas, where the Lakers faced the Dallas Mavericks in a preseason game at T-Mobile Arena.
Offense Expected to Lead
The Lakers enter the 2025-26 campaign with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and, once healthy, LeBron James expected to headline one of the league’s top offenses. Redick noted, however, that a backcourt of Doncic and Reaves “is going to have its issues defensively,” even with Reaves often assigned to the opponent’s best guard.
Limited One-on-One Stoppers
Redick identified Jarred Vanderbilt as the club’s best individual defender. Veteran guard Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, turns 32 this season and no longer chases smaller guards as effectively. Forward Jake LaRavia provides solid effort but is not considered a lockdown presence.
Newly acquired center Deandre Ayton offers size and shot-blocking, yet his defensive motor has been questioned at times. Forward Rui Hachimura has shown growth but remains short of elite status.
Communication Is the Priority
Because the roster lacks multiple shutdown defenders, Redick told Legler the Lakers must operate “on a string,” communicating every rotation and cover. “If one link breaks, things go sideways quickly,” he said.
Los Angeles managed a solid defensive rating after acquiring Doncic late last season, and Redick wants that consistency from opening night. He also believes Vanderbilt’s expanding offensive game will allow the forward to stay on the floor longer, maximizing his two-way impact.
The Lakers open the regular season later this month, still sorting out rotations but clear on one priority: collective effort at the defensive end.
Source: Lakers Nation
